Exact Answer: 1 month to 6 months
Simple syrups are made of water and sugar. It is commonly used to flavor and sweeten beverages, foods, or milkshakes. One can be more creative and can customize syrup for its own. Simple syrups are used in different beverages such as cocktails, iced coffee, iced tea, and cold drinks.
If you love cooking and baking, then you must have used simple syrup. There are many flavors of simple syrup, from vanilla and spice syrup to butterscotch simple syrup, rosemary syrup, mint simple syrup, chocolate syrup, and even gingerbread syrup. Along with food and beverages, flavored simple syrups are commonly used in pharmaceuticals.
The shelf life of the simple syrup is unspecified. It depends on the expiry date and how it is stored at room temperature. Although this is not a pressing issue, because the brand contains sugar that can preserve the product and keep it for a long time. The simple syrup should be used in less than a week because the syrup is prone to crystallize.
How Long Does Simple Syrup Last?
Simple syrup is easy to make. There are two types of simple syrup: standard simple syrup and rich simple syrup. The standard syrup consists of one part sugar and one part water (1:1 ratio), and the thick syrup consists of twice the sugar (2:1 ratio), making the syrup thicker and sweeter. The secret to making caramel and sweet desserts is rich syrup. The standard syrup lasts for one month in the refrigerator and rich syrup lasts up to six months.
To make a simple syrup, use one part of sugar and one part of water. On low heat; add sugar and water in a skillet. Stir the syrup gently on low heat to avoid boiling. Let the syrup be simmer for about 10 minutes and keep on stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove the syrup from the skillet and the syrup is ready. Pour the syrup into a jar and keep it in an airtight container.
| Syrups ( opened/ unopened) | Lasts for |
| Maple syrup | 8 months |
| Golden syrup | 2 years |
| Corn syrup | 4 months |
The syrup lost its power a few years later. If you’re unsure how long your simple syrup has been stored, check the appearance of the syrup. If the surface has color changes, peculiar smells, or looks like mold floating on the surface, it is best to throw them away.
One can be more creative and can customize their simple syrup by adding other ingredients such as herbs, spices, fennel, and cardamom, fruit peels, and dried flowers. In this way, one can experiment with different flavors in cocktails. It is advised to add herbs and spices while heating the syrup or soak in it.
Why Does Simple Syrup Stay Good For That Long?
Simple syrup can last a long time because the heat generated during the preparation of the syrup can sterilize it. Sugar is a preservative that doesn’t get spoiled quickly. The syrup is the last expiring ingredient of any dish. Simple syrup that is prepared with a hot process lasts longer than a cold process.
Many factors can affect how long syrup lasts. Seasonal differences and climate changes are the factors that affect syrup production and yield. Warm and cold winters affect the sap flow. But syrup will go off if left for too long. Refrigeration will increase the shelf life of syrup. It will also help in reducing the growth of bacteria.
If you’ve stored the syrup in the fridge and you’re feeling relaxed. Then, there is one more thing that you can do to prevent the growth of bacteria is pouring and don’t dip. It is better to pour the syrup out of the container than to dip a spoon into it because bacteria are everywhere.
The ultimate tip to increase the life of the syrup is to add sugar to it. Rich syrups are long-lasting. Many people also recommend adding vodka to the syrup to increase the shelf life of a syrup. As vodka acts as a preservative that doesn’t get bad quickly.
Conclusion
Simple syrup can be made at home or brought from outside. The longevity of syrup will depend on how it is stored. Refrigeration is very effective in maintaining quality. It is recommended to store syrup in a glass container with a tight seal. It is important to sterilize a glass container to kill the germs and bacteria that are around the surfaces.
References
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/106002809102500504
- http://ljs.academicdirect.org/A11/093_108.pdf
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